TexasBorn
Amarillo Texas
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I am looking at buying a 1500lb boat and trailer. I would love to be able to tow it with the TT. Are there any things to look at or be aware of when doing this?
I am thinking of bolting the hitch on the bumper of the TT.
And are there an safety reasons NOT to do this?
Thanks for the input.
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Well first off it is illegal in every state, I think, unless you get a special commercial license.
Second, most TT rear bumpers have trouble holding themselves up. Better check with manufacturer for weight spec on bumper. Likely 50# or so.
Obviously sway is a big issue doing that.
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Peg Leg
Anderson, IN
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It's not illegal in Indiana. There is a 65' over all length limit here. No special license or permits needed.
I agree with the bumper not being strong enough. I welded a piece of tubing to the bottom of the frame to act as a receiver on each side. I have a tray and a hitch that I can change around by removing a shoulder bolt from each side.
To stay under the 65' limit I top my 14' Monarch Jon Boat on the truck. I cut my boat trailer about in half. I haul about 6' of it in the truck and reassemble it once I get to the camp site. I don't take it out of Indiana, so I don't worry about other state laws.
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agesilaus
North Florida
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My TT comes with a 2 inch receiver on the rear bumper. It is rated for 100# and designed for a bike rack.
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MarionMedic
Marion, MS
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Chuck&Gail wrote:Well first off it is illegal in every state, I think, unless you get a special commercial license.
.
WRONG !!!!
It is LEGAL in MOST states.
Don't worry about it until AFTER you go to the dealer and speak with them.
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Rubiranch
Salt Lake City, UT
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Chuck&Gail wrote: Better check with manufacturer for weight spec on bumper. Likely 50# or so.
This would be my first phone call too. At least talk to the folks in the service dept where you bought your trailer.
I see people towing two trailers here all the time.
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5weekendwarriors
iowa
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I don't think it's illeagal, at least not in Iowa, but there are length restrictions. I would talk to your dealer though. I sometimes worry about my spare tire, and bike rack with 3 or 4 bikes on the bumber of mine.
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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So in most states, per above, I can tow a ball mounted travel trailer, and tow a ball mounted trailer behind that? Wow. I thought that was ok with a 5er, but called a triple tow when using ball and coupler arrangements.
So you all say I can tow my cargo trailer behind my travel trailer legally with no special license in most states (as long as I stay below the length spec)?
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surveyorjp
Missouri
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Chuck&Gail wrote:So in most states, per above, I can tow a ball mounted travel trailer, and tow a ball mounted trailer behind that? Wow. I thought that was ok with a 5er, but called a triple tow when using ball and coupler arrangements.
So you all say I can tow my cargo trailer behind my travel trailer legally with no special license in most states (as long as I stay below the length spec)?
I don't know about most states, but it is legal in Missouri. I used to tow a john boat behind my last TT, but the TT I have now is too long and the boat would put me over the 65 foot length limit.
To the OP, DO NOT attach the hitch to your trailer rear bumper, unless you have some type of fancy heavy duty bumper that is not common on most TTs. When I had my last trailer, I had a hitch custom built that attached to the frame rails. The bumper was not at all strong enough for the hitch weight of even my light weight boat.
Make sure it is legal in your state, make sure you have a substantial,fairly heavy TT, and a light weight boat. And take the time to set up your tongue weights appropriately. If you are at all unsure about how to do this, then perhaps you shouldn't do it. It takes effort and skill and knowledge to double tow correctly and safely. Good luck.
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Rick From Sequim
Sequim, WA
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A major concern I would have is weight distribution. I expect a hitch on the back of the trailer would result in less weight on the trailer hitch. This COULD result in God Awful trailer sway under certain circumstances. No way would I do it with my wife and dog in the truck. IMHO it's a basically BAD idea.
Rick 
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